The MT/191 drop-ship was designed to rapidly drop from orbit to the surface of a planet in a controlled powerdive. Before launching, the drop-ship was covered in VACX, an ablative coating designed to burn off during atmospheric re-entry. As the drop-ship plummeted to the surface,[1] the ablative coating protected the drop-ship from the high-friction temperature of re-entry,[3] protecting the ship before it landed in a controlled fashion. MT/191s were also able to approach and land on the surface of a planet in a normal manner.[1] The MT/191 could reach speeds of 1,200 kilometers an hour during a rapid drop, and speeds of 650 kilometers an hour during the return flight.[2]

The MT/191 employed a single light laser cannon for defense, located directly above the cockpit. The cannon was generally retracted into the body of the drop-ship, and could only fire when extended.[1] The laser cannon could not be extended during an atmospheric drop.[3] The weapon was not intended for combat, and was only to be used as a deterrent as the ship traveled through combat zones.[1] Underpowered, it was only intended for use as an anti-personnel and anti-vehicle weapon during landing operations.[3]

Standard Imperial doctrine called for MT/191s to land in sufficient numbers at landing sites that had been pre-arranged and pre-bombed. TIE/LN starfighters were ticketed for escort duty during landing operations.[3] 1,860 MT/191s were assigned to the firstDeath Star,[4] and they were assigned to Torpedo Spheres as well.[5]

The Special Unit squadron of the Scimitar assault wing employed two flights of the MT/191 drop-ship. Primarily used to ferry ground troops to the surface during combined assault operations. When not in combat, the drop-ships were employed as cargo vessels and shuttles. They were classified as combat craft in the wing's organizational chart, and not as utility craft.[1]